Inauguration no ball for Young Republican group

At Dugan's, an Irish bar in Greektown, about a hundred Young Republicans came together tonight to share their pain and plan for 2010.

"My Democratic friends don't want to see me tonight," said Steve Feyer, a 28-year-old pharmaceutical consultant who lives in the West Loop. He wore a bright red sweater.

Nick Schrock said he listened to the inauguration speech while working out on a treadmill.

"Obama's speeches are like listening to Enya. You feel good while you listen, but afterwards, you've forgotten the words." said Schrock, 27, a computer engineer from the West Loop.

Schrock said Republicans "deserved" to lose this year. "When you are talking about Bill Ayers during the financial crisis, there is a disconnect."

Laura Kotelman, 36, communications director for the Young Republicans and a Chicago native, said the event was "a good way to get together and get ready for 2010." Kotelman said she did not watch today's ceremony.

"I had to work," she said. "I had to earn the wealth that will be redistributed." She works in business development for a global law firm.

Also on hand at Dugan's was Joe Birkett, DuPage County state attorney. He and dozens of supporters wore blue and white stickers with Birkett's name.

Birkett said he is exploring a run for the governorship in 2010, but he has not announced yet for what he will be running.

He called the evening "a celebration."

"Obviously we wish the Obama family the best," he said.

Angel Garcia, 33, a Young Republican and head of Chicago's Hispanic Republican Assembly, said he enjoyed the day's ceremony.

"It was great to see a peaceful transition of power," said Garcia, who works investigating financial crime. "I was happy Obama (in his speech) embraced capitalism and highlighted the challenges of the War on Terror in his speech."